To think raising money for charity isn't the priority for this organiaation?

[Coldbacon]

My running club.

We charge a minimal annual fee (£10 and never changed in the nearly 20 years I've been a member) and put on a handful of low key races.

We have low outgoings, the main ones being England Athletics membership and insurance (which goes up significantly every year) and training leaders, plus race costs.

For years the membership fees were more than sufficient to cover costs and the club was building a reserve it didn't need. Therefore the decision was taken that race entry fees would be donated to a charity, chosen by members each year.

Now costs are increasing and the club is facing either putting up membership or reducing the amount donated to charity, by taking a portion of race proceeds to cover costs and fund the club (as it used to).

Everyone is horrified at my suggestion that the club should be primarily for the benefit of members, not a charity fundraising organisation.

Now, I know £10 is a bargain and £20 won't break most people, but we're in an area of high social deprivation and I think what we do is important in itself, above and beyond the fundraising, which is not the primary aim of our organisation, but a nice bonus when it's possible.

YANBU. Argue for inclusivity - people can donate to charity on their own dime if they want to.

Could you have 2 prices, with or without the charity donation?

I should have also said I think too much of the committee's focus is on maximising fundraising at events, rather than putting on the best possible events for members. Ie. They won't spend money to make the event better, if it will (or might) reduce the proceeds for charity.**

Some people think time = money, so if volunteers are giving their time to organise events which = money for charity, then they feel fairly compensated for their hard work. But if it doesn't raise any money for charity, they don't feel rewarded.

I think you need to survey the membership to see what the overall sentiment is.